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Imagine straddling the line between the ferocious power of the ocean's biggest waves and the gentle, yet perpetual, tug of fatherhood. This episode takes you on an epic journey with Andrew Cotton, a titan of big wave surfing, as he shares the deeply personal narrative of his life's adventures and tribulations. From his humble beginnings in North Devon to the breath-taking swells of Nazaré, we traverse Cotty's path to a professional surfing career, his friendship and collaboration with surfing legend Garrett McNamara, and the indelible mark of fatherhood that propels his every move.

This compelling conversation reveals the intricacies of balancing a life chasing thrills with the grounding force of family. We peel back the layers of Andrew's career highs and lows, including his daunting recovery from a devastating back injury and the emotional resilience required to navigate personal hardships like divorce. Listen as Cotty offers a masterclass in adaptability and determination, discussing the pressures of aligning family moments with the capricious nature of professional surfing and how these challenges are emblematic of a universal struggle faced by many.

As we wrap up, Andrew Cotton's insights transform this discussion into a profound reflection on humility, the psychological hurdles of an athlete's journey, and the fine line between pushing one's children in sports and letting them find their own way. It's a story that transcends surfing, touching on the heart of what it means to relentlessly pursue one's passions while maintaining the delicate balance that family life demands. Tune in for an episode that promises to stir the soul and inspire the brave pursuit of dreams amidst life's ebb and flow.

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The Athlete Dad Resources:

• www.theathletedad.com
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Embark on an adventure with Olen Netteberg (@olennetteburg) as he recounts the trials, triumphs, and trails of his family's awe-inspiring quest to conquer the Triple Crown of hiking. Together with his wife, Denae, and their intrepid children, Olen weaves a tale of resilience that defies the conventions of both parenting and exploration. Their journey is not just about the paths traveled but also the life lessons gathered among the wilds of the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail.

As a father and doctor, Olen reveals how he's woven the fabric of his family's bond with threads of nature and nurture, challenging their children to push past perceived limits and partake in a once-in-a-lifetime type childhood. The anecdotes shared in this episode offer a glimpse into the laughter and learning that come from a life lived unconventionally. From homeschooling on the trails to fostering a spirit of teamwork within the family, the Nettebergs' story presents an alternative blueprint for education and growth that extends far beyond the classroom walls.

Step off the beaten path with us and embrace the chaos of parenting as Olen imparts wisdom on integrating professional and personal passions. Whether you're a parent seeking inspiration or an adventurer at heart, this episode promises a fresh perspective on raising children who are as confident on the trails as they are traversing cultural divides. So lace up your boots and let the Netteberg family's odyssey inspire your next step, whether it leads to the mountains or simply a closer connection with those you call family.

Resources:

• Olen's Instagram
• Denae's Instagram
• Family Hiking Blog

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The Athlete Dad Resources:

• www.theathletedad.com
• Ben's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad YouTube

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Karl Egloff (@karl.egloff) is a professional mountain guide and athlete, most well known for his world record speed ascents of some of the world's tallest peaks, including Makalu (27,838') and Denali (20,310').

In this episode, Karl discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with his passion for mountain climbing. He shares how his early exposure to the mountains and his father's influence shaped his love for climbing. He emphasizes the importance of teaching his children discipline, independence, and the ability to take risks. He also discusses the need for efficiency and adaptability as a parent-athlete. Karl reflects on the impact of life's challenges on his strength and ambition, and how he manages risk while running up and down the tallest peaks on earth.

Chapters

01:09 Life Inside and Outside the Home

02:36 Balancing Family and Mountain Climbing

06:01 Early Exposure to Mountains and Climbing

07:48 The Influence of Father's Mentality

09:34 Teaching Kids to Take Risks and Push Themselves

10:59 Being Patient and Letting Kids Decide

12:41 Being Flexible and Efficient as a Parent-Athlete

18:04 Teaching Discipline and Balance

20:34 Managing Risk and Prioritizing Family

26:30 The Influence of Life's Challenges on Strength and Ambition

32:24 Managing Risk as a Parent-Athlete

41:30 Setting Goals and Balancing Family Life

46:40 Constant Pursuit of Balance

47:08 Finding Balance in Life

50:21 Prioritizing and Organizing

51:59 Balancing Training and Family Time

56:24 Running a Guiding Business

59:51Upcoming Goals and Changes

01:01:35 Parting Wisdom

Resources:

• Cumbre Tours (Karl's trekking and mountain guide company)
• karlegloff.com

Support the Show.

The Athlete Dad Resources:

• www.theathletedad.com
• Ben's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad's Instagram
• The Athlete Dad YouTube